The Seasoned Collector: JFK keepsakes priceless, 50 years later

In 1960, then-presidental contender John F. Kennedy spotted Nancy Weiner wearing this 6-1/2-inch-diameter button in the crowd at the Cow Palace and remarked on it. (Courtesy of Nancy Weiner)

While I frequently address the value of antiques and collectibles, it's not something I'll do in this particular column.

You see, I have come to understand that some of our belongings are, indeed, priceless.

I refer to the keepsakes related to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy on Nov. 22, 1963 -- a date seared into the psyche of millions of Americans.

Recently, in honor of the 50th anniversary of that horrific fall afternoon, I asked readers if they had mementos relating to JFK. Today, I'll share some of what you revealed.

Many people own a Kennedy political button, but few have a tale to go along with it like Nancy Wiener, of San Jose.

Wiener, who was a UC Berkeley student at the time, met Kennedy a couple of weeks before the 1960 election when he was stumping for votes at the Cow Palace. As he approached the stage, then-Sen. Kennedy stopped to shake her hand. He couldn't help but notice the 6½-inch-diameter button that Wiener, a former Boston resident, wore.

"That's quite a button," Kennedy said. "I want it."

She answered: "Sorry, senator. This is the next president of the U.S., and I am keeping it."

The future president gave Wiener a big smile, patted her on the shoulder and stepped onto the stage.

Joe Cleary's story really tugged at my heartstrings. A resident of Orinda, the 87-year-old artist was so moved by Kennedy's death that he painted "Lights Out."

The work -- full of symbolism -- has stayed in Cleary's studio for 50 years.

"It reminds me of how much I loved the man," he says.

Jackie Coffin, of San Jose, told me she was working at J.C. Penney when she heard Kennedy was shot. Soon an announcement informed the staff that the store would close and the employees could leave.

On her way home, Coffin stopped to buy a sympathy card to send to the Kennedy family. Fifty years later, Coffin treasures a thank-you letter from Jacqueline Kennedy.

Joe Cleary, an 87-year-old Orinda artist, was moved by JFK's assassination to paint "Lights Out."
(Courtesy of Joe Cleary)

Front pages and more

Scores of you -- including Betty Costa, of Walnut Creek, Sherry Hughes, of Newark, Christine Camara, of San Jose, Mike Korn, of Campbell, and Helen Bridge, of Livermore -- carefully tucked away magazines and newspapers replete with news of the Kennedy assassination and funeral.

For weeks and months afterward, publications including Life, Newsweek, Redbook, Look and the Saturday Evening Post touted compelling photos, interviews plus stories. The public was starved for details.

Obviously, publishers obliged, since quantities of them survive. And with many questions still unanswered (for example, where is Jackie Kennedy's pillbox hat?), books and specialty magazines continue to be published. A hefty new edition of "Life" is currently available in bookstores.

East Bay exhibits

There are bound to be services, parades and memorial tributes on Nov. 22. In the Bay Area, some exhibits are honoring the slain leader.

At the Museum of San Ramon Valley, see a mini show of books, newspapers and magazines, plus Kennedy silver dollars. Stay to see a video featuring many memorable speeches. The museum is at 205 Railroad Ave., Danville. Details: 925-837-3750 or www.museumsrv.org.

John F. Kennedy University, founded in 1964, plans to honor the fallen leader with an event Nov. 22. The president will be remembered from 10 to 11 a.m. with speeches, a moment of silence and the unveiling of a new bust of JFK. While on campus, be sure to check out an exhibit honoring Kennedy. The university is at 1000 Ellinwood Way, Pleasant Hill. If you plan to attend, RSVP at 925-969-3300.

Fantastic fair

The popular Goat Hill Fair happens Saturday and Sunday at a new venue, the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds in Watsonville. Here, visitors will see the same incredible array offered by 50 vendors -- country French and farmhouse-style furniture, plus plenty of repurposed objects.

Organizer Cyndi Garofalo has once more lined up a few speakers to both entertain and educate showgoers. On Saturday, you can catch a craft demo with Cathe Holden and receive a dose of holiday inspiration from Vicki Petulla.

I'll be along on Sunday sharing memories of my 40-year affiliation with the world of antiques. These programs are included as part of your entrance fee.

Here's a treat for aficionados of high-quality nutcrackers who undoubtedly are familiar with the legendary company name of Christian Ulbricht:

Gunther Ulbricht, the founder's grandson, will be visiting David M. Brian Gifts in Walnut Creek from 1 to 4 p.m. Nov. 24.

This is Ulbricht's only appearance in California as he ends his U.S. tour. He will sign purchases and discuss the company's fascinating history, which began in 1928.

David M. Brian Gifts -- a one-of-a-kind gift gallery and longtime favorite with many East Bay residents -- is at 1129 Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek. For specifics, call 925-947-1991.

Shopping in style

One of the most splendid places to enjoy a sampling of holiday cheer is Montalvo, the former home of Sen. James Duval Phelan (1861-1930) tucked into the hills of Saratoga. The 175-acre property hosts concerts, artists and historians throughout the year, but in November and December the mansion morphs into a winter wonderland.

Proceeds from these events help maintain Montalvo for future generations.

The Yuletide Marketplace happens Nov. 22-23, and admission is free (on-site parking/shuttle is $5). Expect to find a fabulous selection of clothing, jewelry, art and other gifts that you won't find elsewhere. After you've shopped a bit, relax in the bistro with a cup of homemade soup, maybe a salad. Hours are 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. both days.

On Nov. 24, there's a cocktail party gala at 5 p.m. Cost: $50. If you can't make it up the manse that weekend, Champagne Holiday High Teas will be held Dec. 6 and 8. Cost: $45. Call the box office at 408-961-5858, or purchase tickets at www.montalvoarts.org.

I'll be on hand at the marketplace -- 1-3 p.m. Nov. 23 -- to appraise your newly found treasures and family heirlooms. We ask guests to bring no more than two items per person and ask for a $5 donation per object, with proceeds going to Montalvo. This will be my final public appearance in 2013. I hope to visit with as many readers as possible.

Montalvo is at 15400 Montalvo Road in Saratoga. Details: 408-961-5800.